Buffing wheel



J. J. LAWLER BUFFING WHEEL July 8, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheei 1 Filed Feb. 8', 1950 11717517 2'' ar Jozzzz JL'azu Zer J. J. LAWLER BUFFING WHEEL July 8, 1952 4 sheets-sheet 2 Filed Feb. 8, 1950 'Inran .Z'br John (Illa-21 6 91 J. J. LAWLER July 8, '1952 BUFFING WHEEL 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 8, 1950 Y 127F221? ar' @Jzzgdliazqter Patented July 8, 1952 .BUFFING WHEEL John J. Lawler, Chicago, 111., a'ssignor to Ajax 'Bufi Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application February 8, 1950, Serial No. 143,048

The present invention relates to a buflin wheel and a method (if-making the same; and more particularly to a buffihg wheel provided with means for maintaining adjacent bufing wheels of a multi-Wheel buffing assembly in spaced relation to permit heat flow through theassembly when in-use and to'an improved method of making such bufiing wheels.

Conventional cloth bufling wheels comprise generally an annular buff formed of a plurality of fabric layers secured to a hub which iscentrally apertured to receive aspindle or shaft. In use, a plurality of such wheels are-secured to the shaft with the wheel hubs and buffs abut-'- ting to form an elongated, generally cylindrical bufilng surface defined by the peripheral edges of the cloth buffers. Proper cooling of such a buffing assembly has always presented a problem in the art, and the difficulty of cooling has limited the size of the cylindrical buffing surface and/or the rotational speed of theassembly, and hence the work output from agiven assembly. j

The present invention providesan improved form of bufling wheel which may be assembled to form a bufiing surface composed of any number of separate bufi's which may be operated at higher rotational speeds than heretofore possible. It has actually-been found that'eight or more separate buffing wheels may beassembledon a spindle and operated at speeds up to 3600 revolutions per minute with'no burning of the buff cloth caused by local overheating;

The bufiing wheel of the present invention comprises generally an annular cloth buffhaw ing freely extending peripheral buffing edgesand securedto a novel form of met'alhub at the inne'r periphery 'of'the buff. The hub carrier spacing means. formed integrally therewith, which serve .10 claims. (on; Sir-193) It is, therefore, an important object of the present invention to provide an improved form of buffingwheel-provided with means for spacing the wheel from an adjacent wheel of a buffing assembly to 'pern'dit dissipation of heat during use.

Another important object of the presentinvention' is to provide an improved method of making a buffing wheel including the formation ofsp eingmeans integrally with the hub of the Wheel and the extension of'the spacing means beyondth'e wheel during assembly of the buff to the hub.

It is a furthe r' important obj'ect'of the present invention to provide an improved buffing wheel including an annular cloth buff secured to a hub for mounting thewheel on a spindle,

the hub beingprovided with integrally formed means extending axially ther-ebeyond for spacing the Wheel from an adjacent wheel of a buliing wheelassembly.

V a bufiing wheel of the present invention;

to-maintain' the separate buffing Wheels of a bufiing' assembly: in slightly spaced relationto one another, permit ventilation of the .bufiing' assembly. I

The spacing means extend axially beyond the end face of each wheel and, upon assembly of a plurality of the wheels, radial passages hetween the wheels are provided so that heat may through such Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view, with parts shown in welevation,illustrating the assembly of a plurality of the wheels of Figure 1 into a bufiing assembly;

"Figure 3is an elevational view of a clamping emeanor the wheel of Figure 1;

Figure 4 isxa sectional view taken along the plane IV- I-V of Figure 3 Figure 5 islan' elevational View; of a second clamping: element of the wheel of Figure 1; I.

Eigurefijs a sectional view taken'along the plane VI-VI of Figured; 1

Figure, 7- is ;'a fragmentary, exploded, sectional view illustrating the assembly of the wheel of Figure 1; v

Figure 81s a fragmentary sectional View illustratin'g the assembled bu'fiing wheel of Figure 1; Figl'ire'Q' is an elevational View "of amodified 3 form of clamping element of the wheel of Figure 1;

Figure is. a sectional view taken along the plane XX of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an elevational view of an additional modified form of clamping element of the wheel of Figure 1;

Figure 12 is a sectional view of an assembled bufiing wheel employing the modified element of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is an elevational view of another modified form of clamping element of the wheel of Figure 1; and

Figure 14 is a sectional view similar to Figure 12 illustrating the employment of the clamping element of Figure 13.

As shown on the drawings:

In Figure 1, reference numeral It refers genally to a bufiing wheel of the present invention, including an annular cloth buff II and a hub I2.

The cloth bufi I I may be any of the numerous types of annular buff cloth construction known in the art. However, it is preferred that annular buffers formed of a plurality of elongated, biascut strips be employed. Such buffs are generally prepared by transversely gathering or pleating a plurality of superimposed strips, sewing the strips longitudinally down the center, as at Ila in Figures 2, 7 and 8, then doubling the strip upon itself along the sewed center line. The doubled strip is folded or pleated into an annular configuration having a smooth, generally rounded inner periphery I I d to fit the bufling wheel hub assembly I2. If desired, the folded annular buif may be sewed as at He in an annular pattern closely spaced from the inner periphery I Id.

The hub assembly I2 consists of a circular disk I 3 and an annular ring I 4 positioned on opposing sides of the buff II and overlying the inner periphery III) of the buif. The'disk I3, as best shown in Figure 3, is generally circular in outline and is provided with a centrally located, integrally formedcylindrical flange l4 defining an aperture I6 concentric with the disk. The central portionof the disk I3 extending radially outwardly from the flange I5 is provided with elongated, peripherally spaced, radially extending reinforcing ribs I1. 1

The outer periphery of the disk I3 is provided with integrally formed, radially outwardly extending, peripherally spaced ,teeth I8 provided with tapered outer terminal portions I9. As best shown in Figure 7, the teeth I8 are deformed prior to assembly of the hub I2 to lie in a plane substantially normal to the plane of the disk I3, for a purpose to be hereinafter more fully described.

The annular ring I4 is of slightly smaller outside diameter than the outside diameter of the disk I2 and is of approximately the same inside diameter as the annular buff Il. The'ring I4 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures/ in the form of slots defined by spaced slits extendin radially inwardlyof the ring 14 from the outer periphery thereof, the material 2| lying between the slits being deformed radially inwardly to lie against adjacent corresponding portions of the ring I4. Thus, the ring I4 is provided with a plurality of peripherally spaced, radially extending double-thickness portions.

The doubled portion 2I of the ring I4 corresponds in position to the teeth I8 of the disk l3. Thus, the assembly of the buflingwheel I0 may be carried out as shown in Figures '7 and 8 from 4 which it will be seen that the disks I3 and the ring I4 are positioned on opposing sides of the buff II, and the teeth I8 may be forced completely through the corresponding portions of the buff II lying adjacent the inner periphery Nb of the buff. Following the forcing of the teeth I8 through the buff I I, the terminal portion 19 of each of the teeth is deformed downwardly to overlie the doubled portion 2| of the ring I4 to securely clamp the buff II between the cooperating disk I3 and the ring I 4.

Axial separation of the disk and ring is thus prevented by means of the deformed terminal portions I9 of the teeth I8 in extended surface contact with the outer surface of the doubledback portion 2I of the ring l4, and the edges of the apertures '20 prevent any unwarranted relative rotational movement of the component parts of the wheel. It will, of course, be appreciated that the doubled portion 2| of the ring 20 may b deformed from the plane of the ring only to the extent that it lies in a plane perpendicular to that of the ring, or roughly parallel to the teeth I8 when the components are disposed as shown in Figure '7. Following the forcing of the teeth I8 through the buff II,.both the teeth terminal portion I 9 and the portions 2| of the ring I4 may be deformed radially inwardly to assume the position shown in Figure 8.

A modified form of annular ring is shown in Figures 9 and 10, this modification including an annular ring 22 of substantially the dimensions of the ring I4. The ring 22 is provided with a series of peripherally spaced apertures 23 defined by -U-shaped slits formed radially inwardly of the ring 22 from its outer periphery with the slit portions of the ring being deformed inwardly as at 24 to form a double-thickness portion as hereinbefore described in connection with the portion 2! of the ring I4. The apertures 23 are positioned so as to receive the-teeth I8, as hereinbefore described, and the assembly of the modified form of ring 22 is carried out substantially as hereinbefore described in connection with the first embodiment of the annular ring.

Another modified form of clamping element is shown in Figures 11 and 12. The element is designated by reference numeral 34 and comprises anannular ring quite similar to the rin of Figure 5. However, it will be noted that the ring 34 is provided with upstandin projections 35 extending approximately normal to the plane of the ring, the projections'being formed during the punching, slitting or other working of the ring to form the circumferentially spaced apertures '3 6; During assemblyof the buffing wheel" shown in Figure 12, the projections 38 remain intheir upstanding positon and the teeth I 8 are deformed downwardly over the projections 35 to lie against the surface of ring 34. 'It will be appreciated that the projections 35 will'serve to axially space the wheel I0 from the adjacent wheels of an assembly such as that illustrated in Figure 2.

In the additional modified form of clamping element of Figures 13 and 14, the'elem'ent comprises an annular ring 40 similar to the'ring 22 of Figure 9. In this case, the ring 40 is provided with a series of circumferentially spaced aper tures 4|; and those portions 42 of the ring'lying radially inwardly of the apertures and immediately contiguous thereto are deformed from the plane of the ring, as best seen in Figurel' i. The resulting protuberances 42 extend from the ring axially through a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the ring and serve to t willbe-seen that the method'of-making'the wheel includes the step offorming-the disk I3 and the-ringl 4- by suitable processes, as by-stamping, with the teeth Is and thedefiectable portions 2 I being formed inte rally therewith. Next;- the teeth and-thedeflectible portions are deformedfrom the plane of the dislcand -ring, respectively, the teethl ying'n'orma-l t0 the disk and' the tions2l'either lying against-thering other al' thereto, as indicated-indotted outliiie in'Figu-r'e 7.} teeth I8 are thenforced-completely through the bufi- II and into the space" defined by the deflected portions 21, followed by the" radial deformation'of the'te'eth; Orftheteeth and-the portions '2 I, to the'position of Figured.

In Figure '2', an assembly of several wheelsupon 'aj'spindle'or" shaft- '2 5 is-sho'wn. The shaft is provided with'an integral "enlarged,- radially outwardly ext-ending flange Etagaihstwhich a gene'ral-ly circular" mounting flange 21' is placed; f

The mounting fiange 2! is-of approximately the samediam'eter as thering I4 and is'provided with'a central annular fiange28 defining an axial aperture 2 9 receiving the-shaft 2 5} therethrough. Following the 'positioning of the mouhtirig fiange ZI-on theshaft-2 5, abutting-wheel I'El'o'i the present invention'is placed on'the'shaft with the flanges- I5 of-the disk; I12 snugly receiving the shaft 25' and the inner lip of the flange-I5 ertiie innermost wheel I9" abutting the corresponding 'lip'of the flange 2e; s l The remaining bufii'ngwheels I0 are then placed upon the shaft 2 5 with the teeth terminal portion's I fi ofsuccessive' wheels; I [t a-buttin'g'theouter peripheral portions of the disk I3 iofthe adjacent Wheel I0." Followingthe a sembly of'the wheels 18 upon the shaft 25; a second mounting flange is placed on the shaft 25;and 'afnfut' Si is threade'd'upon the threaded end portion 3210f the shaft 25"to abutthe Qute'rsurface of thefiange '30. 'I It willjbe "seen thatfe'a 'ch of the wheels. I0;

when'assenibledas shown in Figure 2, is separated from" each adjacent wheel' ID by a quadruple thickness of metalor other material from which the hubs I2 of the wheels II] are formed; Heat flow channels are formed between the adjacent teeth I8 of the hub I2, these channels permitting the radial flow of air from the hub I2 to the buff I I, thereby cooling the assemby as thesame is rotated during use. of material separating adjacent wheels is provided by the annular-ring I4, the inturned'portion 2| of the ring I4, the teeth IQ of a given wheel, and

The quadruple thickness l Abu ng wheelcompris-ingan annular-cloth buffjapair of clamping members having pertions overlying opposedsidesurfaces-of saidbufl, inter engaging, clamping means extendingf completely through saidfbu'ff from o'neof said clamping meme bers and having portions engaging the other'of saidclamping-members, and means forrned inte grally with one of said clampingmembers and underlyingjsaidiengag'ed portions of said clamp ing means, said integral means and-saidcla'mping means portions coac-ting for spacing, said claniping members from'th'e' clamping'members or an adjacentbufiii'ig wheel toprovide for the passage of'he'at therebetween. I

"2; A bufling wheel comprising'an annular cloth 7 buff; a clamping member positioned on either'jside the disk I3 of the wheel immediately "adjacent the given wheel.

g It will therefore be seen that I have inithe present invention provided an improved form of buffing wheel provided with integrally 'formed means for permitting the vertical flow of air through the annular cloth buff of the wheel and from the wheel hub to carry heat vertically from the assembly, and it is thereby possible to employ an assembly of such wheels at high peripheral speeds and in large numbers without overheating or burning of the cloth buff. The heat developed upon use of the buffing assembly will be readily dissipated by the convection currents set up during normal operation of the buff, since these currents are free to travel radially through the buff and hub assembly. Thus, the spacing means of the present invention accommodate the flow of heat by convection from the assembly, and the o'ffs'aid'bufi', radially extending portions-struck from one of" said members to define" peripheral apertures therein, meanson the other offsaid clamping "members extending through saidibufi and the apertures in said'fi'r'st member into ex? tended" engagement with said radially, extending portion'stoiseciire' said members 'to' saidjbufi. 31 A buffingwhe'e'l comprising an annular cloth buff; ,a circular disk 'for abutting one side surface of said buif adjacent the inner periphery 'therejof, teeth formed integrally with saiddisk"and extendin'gi'therebeyond.in a plane normalto the plane of'jsafd 'disk' ahd'e'xtendihg through said buihan annular ring abutting the opp'osingg'si'de surface oitsaid buiT and having apertures formed therein for receiving said teeth projecting beyond saidbufi, and'additional inturne'd portions formed integrally with said'ring and extending radially inwardly from said 'apertures- Torre ceiving the". terminal ends of said teeth when deformed thereaginst, said I additional 1 portions forming an extra thickness of"materiall'extending axially beyond the buff for separating saidbiiifin'g' wheel from anadj'acent wheel of a cutting wheel assembly to provide ,heat dissipation channels between the buffs of the bufiin'g wheel assembly v 4'. A bufiing wheel comprising an annular cloth buff, an annular ring lying against one side surface of said buff and having peripherally spaced apertures and inwardly folded portions adjacent said apertures, and a circular disk havingperipheral teeth formed therein to extend normallyto vthe plane of the disk through said huh and the aperture's'oi said ring, said teeth being deformed radiallyfinwardly of thering to lie againstgsaid inwardly iolded portions thereof to therebyiseecuresaid'rin'g and said disk to said hurt on opposed sidesithereoflwith the teeth and the inturned portions being formed on one side of the wheel only and extending axially beyond said ring for abutting the adjacent wheel of a wheel to provide heat dissipation channels between the buffs of the buffing wheel assembly.

6.-A bufling wheel comprising an annular cloth buff, a circular disk for abutting one side surface of said buff adjacent the inner periphery thereof, teeth formed integrally with said disk and extending therebeyond in a plane normal to the plane of said disk and extending through said buff, an annular ring abutting the opposing side surface of said buff and having apertures formed therein for receiving said teeth projecting beyond said buff, and deformed portions formed integrally with said ring immediately contiguous to said apertures, said deformed portions being displaced axially of the ring for receiving said teeth thereagainst when said teeth are deformed radially of said ring, said deformed portions and theteeth lying thereagainst being provided on one side of the wheel only and serving to separate said bufiing wheel from an adjacent wheel of a bufiing wheel assembly to provide heat dissipation channels between the buffs of the buffing wheel assembly.

7. A bufiing wheel comprising an annular cloth buff, a'circular disk for abutting one side surface of said buff adjacent the inner periphery thereof, teeth formed integrally with said disk and extending therebeyond in a plane normal to the plane of said disk and extending through said bufi, an annular, ring abutting the opposing side surface of said buff, andh'aving apertures formed therein for receiving'said teeth projecting beyond 'said buff, and deformed portions formed integrally with said ring to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced local protuberances extending axially of .the ring and receiving said teeth thereagainst, said protuberances and the teeth lying thereagainst being provided on one side of the wheel only and cooperating to define therebetween radial heat dissipating channels of a depth equal to the thickness of said teethand the distance through\ which the protuberance is displaced from the plane of the ring. a

8. A buffing wheel comprising an annular cloth buff, clamping members positioned on opposing sides of said buff adjacent the inner periphery thereof, clamping means extending through said buff from one of said clampingamembers and engaging said other clamping member to secure said clamping members to said buiilsaid other clamping member'having axially extending outwardly projecting embossed portions, and said clamping means including portions lying against said embossed portions, said-embossed portions and said clamping means portions lying thereagainst serving to separate said buffing wheel from an adjacent wheel of a bufiing wheelassembly to provide heat dissipation channels between adjacent wheels when assembled.

9. A bufiing wheel comprising an annular cloth buff, a circular disk for abutting one sidejsurface of said buff adjacent the inner periphery thereof, teeth formed integrally with said disk and extending therebeyond in a plane normal to the plane of said disk and extending through said buff, an annular ring abutting the opposing side surfaces of said buff and having apertures formed therein for receiving said teeth projecting beyond said buff, said ring having axially extending outwardly projecting embossed portions immediately radially inwardly of said apertures for receiving said teeth thereagainst when said teeth are deformed radially inwardly of the ring,tsaid embossed portions and the teeth lying thereagainst being provided on one side of the wheel only and coacting to define radial heat dissipating channels of a depth equal to the embossed height of one of said embossed portions plus the thickness of one of said teeth.

10. A bufling wheel comprising an annular cloth buff, a circular disc abutting one side surface of said buff adjacent the inner periphery thereof and having peripherally spaced teeth extending through said bufi in a plane approximately normal to the plane of said disc, a clamping member abutting the other side surface of said buff adjacent the inner periphery thereof and having peripherally spaced openings for receiving the end portions of said teeth projecting beyond said buff, said projecting teeth ends being formed radially to overlie said clamping member and said clamping member having peripherally spaced portions extending axially of the plane thereof away from said buff to underlie said teeth ends and space the same from the adjacent surface of said clamping member, whereby when a plurality of said wheels are assembled in laterally contacting relationship said teeth ends and underlying portions provide air passages between adjacent buffs.

JOHN J. LAWLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 

